Bishop Hutterer Invites You to the 2026 LentenChallenge

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Bishop Deborah Hutterer has recorded a special invitation to participate in this year’s ELCA Region 2 Lenten Challenge. This short video outlines the challenge, and how your participation makes an impact.

Watch the video, consider registering for the Lenten Challenge, and invite others to join in this meaningful Lenten journey!

What is the Lenten Challenge?

The theme of this year’s challenge derives from Matthew 25:37-40. The passage emphasizes that caring for the poor, sick, and marginalized is an act of service to Christ, and that a person’s treatment of others is a reflection of their relationship with God. The spiritual practices for the six weeks of Lent will focus on stretching our learning, care and advocacy muscles on behalf of underserved communities. The six weeks will be broken up according to the gospel text, as below, with participants focusing on what we know and think about these siblings in Christ, as well as how we act in support and on behalf of these communities:

  • Week 1, February 22: Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry and gave you food?
  • Week 2, March 1: Lord, when was it that we saw you thirsty and gave you something to drink?
  • Week 3, March 8: Lord, when was it that we saw you a stranger and welcomed you?
  • Week 4, March 16: Lord, when was it that we saw you naked and gave you clothing?
  • Week 5, March 22: Lord, when was it that we saw you sick and visited you?
  • Week 6, March 29: Lord, when was it that we saw you in prison and visited you?

Why Lent? Lent is a season of 40 days to reflect, remember our dependence on God and one another, and look forward to the ways God calls us to be. Adding one or more of these spiritual practices to your observation of Lent might help you feel more connected. A light-hearted challenge like this could help our synods be the Church together, and to see God’s vision and invitation for us to be a church for the world as we share the good news of Jesus Christ.

Let’s make this year’s Lenten Challenge the most impactful yet!

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